Does anyone know of a way to get the direct sensors that come in 08 and late 07 MCs to fit in after market wheels? A friend and I bought Drag DR-14s and DR-19s recently from Discount Tire Direct. They were advertised as being TPMS compatible, but my local wheel/tire shop told me the sensor/valve angle was too steep for the interior of the rim. I'm looking for one of two solutions. I either need a modification for my current sensors, or I need to know if there are sensors out there that would work in these wheels. I have the guys at Discount Tire looking for a solution, but I have more confidence in this forum. Thanks in advance!

 

Tire Rack sells 'em.

 

Interesting. My three week old 07 MCS has metal valve stems that have sensor written or etched on them. I am guessing this means I have direct sensors on mine. I am wondering if the run flat tire protects that sensor in a flat tire situation, and if a regular tire will not protect it, or at least not as well.

 

I wish I could answer your question but I have a few of my own.

With the direct TPMS if a new tire is installed is there anything special that has to be done. Americas tire said there was a rebuild kit but I think he was speaking of the install for the non direct type.

If I was to use the Mini mobility kit would the liquid destroy the sensors of is it safe.

I am confused please help

 

I dont think the direct TPMS will get damaged if you get a flat on a non runflat tire. That is not the purpose of a runflat. The sensor typically sits deep enough in the wheel that it wouldnt get smashed.

I just got new wheels mounted and i have the direct TPMS. All i had to do was let them know (Americas tire company, aka, Discount tires) and i had to reset the system after everything was said and done. You reset it via the button on the left stalk. From what i have heard, if you use any kind of liquid sealant injected through the valve, it can and probably will damage the sensor.

 

Ghosthound is accurate.

Flats likley wont damage the sensor. The TPMS rebuild kit is a new valve stem, and sealing O ring - to keep the sensor and stem completely sealed.
Fix a flat type sealants will destroy direct TPMS sensors.

My sugestion is the ContiComfortKit - 12v pump and sealant. Carry old fasion wax plug kit in your mini - try to plug the puncture, only use sealant in a last ditch effort.

Top up the air pressure with the pump - the have the tire dismounted and repaired as soon as possible.

Alex

 

Discount Tire Direct is sending me a modification kit for my sensors and valve stems. The cost of the kit and shipping is being covered by them, so I won't be too unhappy if the kit fails to correctly adjust my setup to fit my wheels. I'll post with an update once I've received the kit and have had an opportunity to get it installed.

 

While we're waiting, here are a few photos of Deimos' new shoes:

 

So are you running without sensors currently? Is so, what does it do?

 

When I start the car, it briefly flashes the flat alarm signal on the tachometer display. The flat light over on the speedometer stays illuminated, although after a few days, I have already began to ignore it. I know it's not good to ignore such warnings, but it really isn't that noticeable. I want the sensors back in there simply for piece of mind. The absence of the warning light will just be an added plus.

 

I got the sensor/valve kit in today, and I'll have my wheel guy try to install them tomorrow morning. Here's hoping it works!!!

 

It works! It took them almost two hours to get the sensors and new valve stems installed and the wheels balanced, but it seems to have been worth the wait. After resetting the TPMS system in the car's computer, the warning no longer occurs.

 

So did you transfer MINI factory sensors from your OEM wheels to the new wheels or did Discount Tires gave you new sensors?

 

I used the OEM sensors with an adapter supplied by Discount Tires. If ordering from DT, be sure to ask about the adapters while ordering. We both ordered wheels made by Drag, and they both required the adapters.

 

Just got my tire rotated front to rear and vice-versa at Costco. Tpms light activated and they're telling me I have to go back to the dealer to reset it.

Those of you who rotate your own tires, is this true? I suspect they didn't reconnect something that needn't require my going back to the dealership.

Best,
T.

 

I can reset my own through the turn signal stem. I have a late year 07 with the direct TPMS with metal valve stems. If you have the indirect TPMS with rubber valve stems, I am not sure.

 

Whether you have direct or indirect TPMS, I don't think a trip to the dealer should be necessary. Consult your manual on the process of reseting the TPMS sensors.